Maxton man sentenced to prison after arson plea

LUMBERTON — A Maxton man has been sentenced to one to two years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree arson.

Larry Dewayne Jones, of Ardell Road, entered his plea on Wednesday in Robeson County Superior Court.

Lt. Brian Duckworth, an arson investigator with the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, said Jones was arrested on Oct. 28, 2012, for setting fire to his roommate’s belongings. The fire caused $15,000 damage to the apartment he shared with Jessie Locklear Jr. on the 1000 block on N.C. 711 in Pembroke.

Jones has been in jail since his arrest and will be credited with time served. He was also ordered to pay the owner of the apartment building $3,731 in restitution.

Duckworth said the incident occurred after Locklear found his television and stereo missing on Sept. 22, 2012. Locklear, believing Jones had taken the items, set fire to some of Jones’ clothes and tools in the front yard, according to Duckworth. In retaliation, Jones set some of Locklear’s belongings on fire inside the apartment, according to Duckworth.

Jones was also charged with burning personal property and larceny, but those charges were dropped. Assistant District Attorney Tony Berk prosecuted the case.

Locklear was charged with burning personal property. He is still awaiting trial.